SAILING: MORE than 75 delagates from over 20 yacht clubs met at Blackwater SC at the weekend to find out about how they could play their part in increasing participation in offshore sailing events on the East Coast.

The seminar included words of wisdom from East Anglian Offshore Racing Association chairman Tony Merewether, as well as advice from Bas Edmonds who is the technical manager of the Royal Yachting Association.

Edmonds said: “I don’t think I have ever attended a meeting with such a group of dedicated volunteers all working together to improve sailing for their members.”

Delegates from clubs between Dover and Lowestoft – including Thames estuary clubs Thurrock YC and the Hoo Ness YC – met on Sunday.

One of the highlights of the 2013 is likely to be the 200-mile offshore regatta that will see boats racing from Harwich to Ramsgate, then on to Ostend before returning to Harwich.